as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Newcomers Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant served as the first-string safeties.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
All five first-string Pacers (Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner) complement one another.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Breslow and his scouts stole a first-string catcher, Carlos Narvaez, from the Yankees, who’d had him in their minor league system since 2015.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Newcomers Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant served as the first-string safeties.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
All five first-string Pacers (Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner) complement one another.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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And its large, thin leaves do provide excellent material to us as mulch or in a compost pile.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Compensation of a sort came as the excellent form continued in the league.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Temuera Morrison plays a terrific villain as the murderous King Kahekili.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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While much of that is thanks to an explosive offense that features Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Ravens also have some terrific players on the defensive side of the ball, which should not come as much of a surprise given their history.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
They are no longer considered stellar mass black holes.—
Krystal Ruiz-Rocha,
Space.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The stellar chocolate chip cookie has what almost tastes like a tang that makes each bite more delicious.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Palm Beach show is supported by a clutch of superb dining and accommodation options within walking distance of the show on the mainland in West Palm, and others on the island of Palm Beach proper a short drive away.—
Kathleen Turner,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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As previously hinted, fans of the original series know which of Ellen’s brothers emerges victorious: burly Dougal (Sam Retford) or clever, crippled Colum (a superb Séamus McLean Ross).—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There is no greater disparity in the polls than the Sooners checking in at No. 18 in the AP and being the best of the rest among the coaches who voted.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Jalen Coker, a second-year receiver who’s had a wonderful camp, will play Thursday.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
-
The outpouring from the community has been wonderful, and everyone has been willing to help, though there isn’t much anyone can do at the moment, according to Guzauskas.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Reallocating prime space, improving daylight, or curating meaningful art can send a clearer message than a memo.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Warm mid-August summer nights offer prime conditions for spotting three magnificent star clusters visible to northern-hemisphere skywatchers in the coming months.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Dining was in the lovely dining room or outside under propane heaters with cozy Pendleton blankets.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Hollander’s lovely Wauwatosa location will be shut down for some time, as well — at least six weeks, according to Lowlands Group Founder and CEO Eric Wagner.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
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